Secrets of the Heart

Heart Romance #1

by Laurie LeClair

Secrets to hide...

A child to protect...

Forbidden love...

For years, Bree Hansen has fought to keep two things safe: Her daughter and her secret. Both are in jeopardy now that sexy cop Nick Carletti wants his family back. She’ll do anything to protect her secret. She has for years along with her forbidden feelings for Nick. He knows she’s hiding something and wants the truth. Getting to the bottom of it will give him what he wants, but at what price?

How can Nick and Bree make a life together when he feels as if he’s betraying his dead son, can’t trust Bree, and has lost faith in everything, especially himself?

Can Bree and Nick get what they want or will their forbidden past and growing feelings for each other expose too many secrets to heal their hearts?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Fiction, M F Romance

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2014

About the author

Bestselling author Laurie LeClair writes romantic comedies, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction. Laurie has a not-so-secret love for characters who make her laugh, cry, and who linger in her mind long after the story ends. Laurie’s habit of daydreaming has gotten her into a few scrapes and launched her to take up her dream of writing. Finally, she can put all those stories in her head to rest as she brings them to life on the page.

Laurie loves to write, read, bake, travel, and discover new adventures. She considers herself a New Texan (New England born and raised and now living in Texas). She lives in Central Texas with her husband, Jim. Laurie loves to hear from her readers.

You can contact her at
http://www.laurieleclair.com
http://www.twitter.com/LeClairbooks http://www.facebook.com/laurieleclair.75

Check out Laurie’s website contests and sign up for her newsletter to get insider information and to be automatically entered in her newsletter giveaways at http://www.laurieleclair.com


Books by Laurie LeClair:

Once Upon A Romance Series (romantic comedy)
If The Shoe Fits - Book 1
Waking Sleeping Beauty - Book 2
Taming McGruff - Book 3
The Reluctant Beauty - Book 4
Awakened By A Kiss - Book 5
Tangled At First Sight - Book 6
Finding Mr. Just Right - Book 7
Making A Splash - Book 8

The Heart Romance Series(contemporary romance/smalltown romance)
Secrets Of The Heart - Book 1
Crimes Of The Heart - Book 2
Lies Of The Heart - Book 3


The Bounty Hunter Series (romantic suspense)
Murphy’s Law - Book 1
Riley’s Rules - Book 2

Wanted: Fairy Godmother (romantic comedy)

The Sweet Spot Series (romantic comedy)
The Dating Dilemma - Book 1

Runaway Wife (romance, women's fiction)

The Long Journey Home (romance, women’s fiction)

Sweet Summertime (romance, women's fiction, second chances, reunions)

The Heart Remembers (holiday romance, contemporary romance)

Reviews

[Jen_C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Torn about this one. Maybe a 3.5. Kind of an odd way of storytelling. The glimpses into the past were doled out very sporadically. Book is not labeled as Christian, which is good because it contains content not usually in that genre, but the MC's talk about God a lot, talk to Father Tom the priest (who gives advice I would not expect from a Catholic priest), and discuss Catholic guilt, etc. Fair warning folks.

I won't continue with the series.

Quotes:

“Oh, but you see, Nick, I’m finally getting rid of the shame and self-disgust I’ve lived with for so long and getting my self-respect back. I used to think talking about my feelings would make me weak and vulnerable, but I realize it makes me stronger.” Taking a deep, shaky breath, she said, “I love you, Nicholas Carletti. I think I always have, but I know I always will.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me how much you suffered?”
“I didn’t want to concern you with my problems.”
His curse, loud and fierce, shocked her. Framing her face between his palms, he forced her to look directly into his eyes. “You look at me when I say this because it’s the last time I’m going to waste my breath on this, understand?”
She nodded slightly, restrained by the weight of his hands.
“I love you with everything that’s in me, Bree Hansen Carletti. All your problems are mine, however big or small. If you hurt, I hurt. If you cry, know that I’m crying on the inside, too.”

[Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

First off this is a pg or pg13 religion/Christian book. There is nothing wrong with that, but the story was terriable. It was long and drawn out. It didn't need thirty-two chapters to tell this story. It could have been told in ten to twenty chapters. Nick was a cop, all he had to do was investigate Bree. He should have started digging as soon as he founded out that she was going to marry his son, especially since she was older his son, and pregnant. I guess if he had done his homework, there wouldn't been a story. Right? After reading four chapters I knew the secrets. The story was repetive, which made it boring. I skipped a lot of the story. The outcome was predictable.
I don't like reading books were people's blame God all the time about the problems they have. Why don't they blame the devil? I'm sorry Ms Leclair I really didn't like the (H) in this book. I have read other books you have wriiten, but this book :(

[Barb Wittwer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually thought the story was very unique. The authors writing was sappy, if I had to hear about his Sandle wood smell one moe time I would have ripped my hair out... She just needed to get on with the story and quit trying to be so flowery and descriptive, she ruined a perfectly good story. Much of story was repetitive!

[Penny Friday-Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good

Good characters and storyline. Sydney was just adorable. a few misspelled words but not too bad. The only negative I found to the story is the comments Nick made in the last couple of chapters....which changed my thoughts about him and his true feelings toward Bree and Sydney.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair, I didn't stop until I finished reading it several hours past my bedtime! I really enjoyed this book and the main characters Bree Hansen and Nick Carletti. A 30 year old widow, Bree was married to Nick's son. Now she's a single mom with a 5 year old daughter named Sydney. 42 year old Nick is seeking joint custody. After the recent deaths of his son and then his grandmother, Nick is alone and he wants Sydney permanently in his life. The solution? Marriage. Bree and Nick get married and try to become a family for Sydney's sake. Their married life starts out shaky ground because of their years old attraction to each other. The way the characters faced their fears, questioned their faith, and searched for happiness, kept me entertained and turning the pages. I definitely recommend this book to fans of romance!

[S.R. Roddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

A sweet romance with several twists. This story concentrates more on love and faith. The author portrays the fact that life isn't black and white. Sometimes shades of gray are required to protect the ones we love. If you're looking for steamy, this isn't it. Still, don't let that deter you from the sweet dynamics of this read. Great story, I highly recommend it.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This story had a few twist and turns but the love that was shared in abundance. Beer was raising Sydney alone after her husband died. She had help from his family but always felt Nick wanted her daughter. Now he has to help her settle to feelings between them and a past he knows she's hiding.

[Lesley Eggert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

Loved the characters and how everything happened for a reason in this book. Laurie LeClair knew just what to write to keep alk the secrets hidden until the very end when love conquers all.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of The Heart

This is book #1 that starts a wonderful series. I love the characters and stories behind them. The story unfolds and you can possibly see similarities to everyone's life! The story ended well and I can't wait to read the next!

[Ginger Mcclintick · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time author for me and I loved the book it was really good.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had potential

Not sure what I expected from the book but it left me feeling that I’d missed out on something. Read it all but can’t say I liked either character.

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book had me hooked by the end of the first chapter

[Suanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A faith-based romance with an older man (a cop and a grandfather) and younger woman (hairstylist and mother) with lots of secrets between the partners.

[Tonia Spears · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Amazing book. Was hard to put down. Loved it ! Would definitely recommend it to others. Great strong protector .

[Black Butterfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I THOUGHT THE STORY LINE WAS VERY DIFFERENT IT SOUNDED KINDA YUCKY BUT I DECIDED TO TRY IT ANYWAY. I FIGURED OUT THE SECRET PRETTY MUCH WHEN SIMONE FIRST MENTIONED HAVING ONE. THE LOVE'S ROLLER COASTER WAS WAY OVER DONE TO THE POINT OF STUPIDITY. ONE MINUTE WE HAVE THINGS ON TRACT NEXT WE DON'T, THAT GOT ON MY NERVES. UP-DOWN-UP-DOWN-UP-DOWN-UP-DOWN-UP-DOWN-UP-DOWN THIS WAS ANGST ON OVER DRIVE. THE LOVE SCENES WERE TOO WORDY WITH FLOWERY SUGARY DESCRIPTIONS AND NOT BELIEVABLE. THIS JUST WASN'T MY CUP-O-TEA I THINK THE STORY LINE COULD HAVE BEEN MORE EXCITING BUT IT JUST LACKED ANY PUNCH. ;(

[Carol Greenwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

In need of some quick romantic read, this will fulfill your need.

Free has spent her life protecting others from the full truth, her mother and now her daughter and anyone connected. The story goes bizarre as Bree marries her father-in-law to avoid a custody battle as Nick wants more quality time with his granddaughter. His son, Bonnie, had died almost two years ago in a gunfight, both father and son are policeman.

[Ursula Okerlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Of The Heart

This Book was a emotional read, it was a tender and very well written story. For me at times it was a bit to much with inner turmoil and stayed to long on the same. But in the overall story it belonged to the way the story was written. And I liked that the emotional struggle of the main Characters turned back to his faith in God and chose the Woman and the Child he loved. I liked a good ending a Story. And this Story had a good ending.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laurie LeClair creates a scenario of unrequited love, heartbreak and secrets. Secrets of the Heart is a deeply emotional read. All the obstacles that the main characters faced within this story could break anyone. Through strength and determination, Nick and Bree manage to come out the other side. Secrets of the the Heart will make you cry, but it will also leave you in awe of the human spirit. Believing that love just may conquer all. Beautiful story.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, the only thing that stopped me giving it 5 stars, was the constant back and forth between the two man characters, just became a tad frustrating. All in all a sweet story, I expected more from the secret Bree harboured, it was built up so much and then it really wasn't THAT bad at all. Likeable characters and a good enough plot to keep you reading until the end

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies

sometimes a lie is a good thing. Bree had to to protect her little girl. She just had to find it in herself to share the secret. it's a good thing it didn't destroy what she had.

[Raven berry]

I loved it!

such an amazing love story that combined, trust, honor, love and respect. From start to finish it left me intrigued and wanting more and more! must definitely a must read!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I was a little turned off by the attraction between daughter Inlaw and fatherinlaw but as the story progressed I was on board with Bree and Nick. I was a little frustrated by Bree and all her secrets. Loved The ending!!!

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it was too long and drawn out. I liked the story but the secret was not nearly as bad as you would have thought. I even skipped some pages and didn't miss anything of importance. I wanted to mark it as DNF with in the first few chapters but I want to know the secret.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a great book to read

[Angel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well written but Nick was an ass.

[Delta]

Free 12-18-14

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Heart-R...

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good subtle romance

I enjoyed this book. It had a gentleness to it but also a little suspense. And the second set doesn't come into play until the middle

[Sherry Vitaniemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loses

Wow for two people who have had a lot of loses in their life. They sure do have a hard time admitting how they feel for each other.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

Very well written. The characters were life like and the story was amazing. I loved reading it and can't wait to read more by this author.

[Lila · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was hard to stay with this while they were hiding so much of their lives from each other. But it was worth it to hang in there to the end of the story.